The Windmills Home
Resting sequestered within Total Environment’s flagship residential establishment in Whitefield, The Windmills Home amalgamates the revered architecture of the residential complex on the outside with familial warmth within its embrace. The eminent built form is synonymous with the builder’s signature concrete and exposed terracotta brickwork matrix laced poetically with slivers of greens in the form of lush, cantilevered terrace gardens and scaling volumes. With panoramic views of Hoodi Lake and green-roofed villas, this urban duplex redefines the maxim of inside-outside living.
Fact File:
Project Name, Location – The Windmills Home, Bangalore
Typology and Square Footage – 4-BHK Duplex Apartment, 6,000 Square Feet
Text Credit – Lavanya Chopra
Photography Credit – Nayan Soni
Design Execution Partners – Creative Geometry
Landscaping Collaborator – Navneeth Kumar
Art Curation Collaborator – iArt
Design Team – Nain Belliappa, Ritushree Belur, Shifa Parveen and Pearl Marquis
We first heard from our clients Hari and Lakshmi in mid-July last year. The scope and brief had us ecstatic! Our collaboration entailed a renovation of the duplex, which had primarily been uninhabited for close to two years. Traversing a period of great uncertainty and Pandemic-induced delays, the acquisition of the residence was a tedious process. We utilised this time to detail our design to a T, geared up to delve into the process with the execution team.
With the canvas of the 10-year-old apartment at hand, the site-level challenges and obstacles were significant. Though blessed with a cohesive and interactive layout, the electrical, plumbing and automation services needed dire renewal. Ridding the decrepit home of pest-related issues, rotting carpeting, and its stagnated aura topped the list at the onset. Thus, the design team’s impetus became the renewal of the site’s condition while making room for a fresh ethos with a timeline of merely three and a half months! However, beyond the essential iterations, this abode held a distinct persona. The morphing volume-play, the omnipresence of light through the day, and the evident relationship with the outdoors were the protagonists.
These features formulated the foundation of the home’s design aspiration. The overarching brief focused on enhancing these facets, expressing the desire for timeless, neutral spaces laden with light, art, and pragmatic design to be inhabited by a close-knit family of five. It almost felt like we had various pieces of a larger creative image endowed with robust character. The home just had to find its spot rightfully within the larger picture!
The Windmill Home’s design language reaped its inspiration from its inhabitants. The process displayed a strong devotion to the vision of the family, melding the representation of their roots in Kerala and contemporary living earnestly. A bespoke collision of two worlds, the resultant spaces best blend function and experiences within this generous tropical-modern dwelling.
Revealing itself as a bijou yet character-packed space, the foyer offers an expressive insight into the spirit of the home. Leasing it a new lease of life, a vintage trunk owned by the clients was used effectively to create a focal point when paired with the Ganapati stone sculpture. Colour-hewn artwork by Artist Ganapati Hegde presides over the nook and hints at the trove of hues harnessed within the home. A colossal antique door frame was sourced through Studio Red Door and was lined with a large mirror measuring over 6-feet. A quintessential addition to the foyer, the mirror frames views of the landscaped deck and abundant daylight. On the right, a petite louvred storage console was designed to house miscellanea and footwear inconspicuously.
Reigning over the locus of the home, the double-height living space comes flooded with soft northern light, which trickles in through the peripheral landscaped decks. Crowned by a grid of coffered ceilings in a deep taupe hue, one’s gaze is tempted to soak in the play of heights and geometry within the room, with communal zones of the upper level also peeking into the central living area. Hands down, one of our most loved areas within the home, this living room is a jewel box of colour, art, and textures balanced with a curated spirit. The soft sunlight, alfresco views, and scale of the space were the champions here. Any additions we have made have been to further accentuate these spatial assets.
The white brick-clad feature wall imbues the space with a sense of texture and scale, creating a muted backdrop for the collage of the ‘envy suppressor’ range of Claymen figurines peering into the distance. A set of warm grey, clean-lined sofas by Magari command the room, paired effortlessly with their meshed cane ‘Athens’ armchairs in cerulean blue. The tan daybed by the double-height fenestrations creates the perfect spot to lounge and interact with the splendour of the green-dotted deck.
Colour makes a welcome debut within this area in the form of soft furnishings primarily by Good Earth and hand-picked works of art. A commissioned piece created by Artist H.R. Das depicts dancing bulls against a vivid vermillion background; this addition claims the mantle of the pièce de résistance within the room. The ‘Reflections’ clustered chandelier by Olie Lighting makes for the idyllic luminaire within the double-height volume, customised in brass to inject a sense of allure! Flanking the painting, a duo of the ‘Aphrodite’ wall lamps adds a touch of artisanal finesse to the visual montage. A bone-inlay coffee table by The Purple Turtles grounds the interactive space, placed atop the hand-knotted rug by Jaipur Rugs.
Owing to the living area’s contiguous and spacious blueprint, two strategically placed consoles make a debut. The first one, rendered in distressed black polish, sits at the transition between the foyer and living, layered with a collector’s edition sketch by Late Artist JMS Mani and a Garuda sculpture from The Purple Turtles. The second ebony console sits parallel to the sofa, styled with the client’s prized collection of coffee table reads, bric-a-brac and a statement table lamp.
Bordering the living area, the compact powder room was ingeniously designed to retain the existing marble floors, while all other elements were pieced together with a playful yet classic spin! White subway tiles from Ceramique were arranged in a herringbone configuration, finally topped off by an antique gold beading detail. The dark-toned peony printed wallpaper makes its way towards the ceiling, adding a moody flair to the dramatic powder room. Giving in to experimental design, the vanity was finished in a mint green shade, holding a black stone sink.
Weaving into the external perimeter of the home, the outdoor deck sits cantilevered from the mass of the apartment. An organic extension of the thresholds of the residence, this landscaped stretch offers the inhabitants a slice of their very own urban jungle!
This project presented us with the opportunity to interact and engage with landscaping in a tactile capacity! We partnered with Navneeth of plantsoftheshade to conceive an inviting outdoor space that could be one with the indoors. Especially a treat when they wish to unwind or host, the deck is a sanctuary of greens that makes one want to step out!
Featuring full-grown trees and a multitude of planters (mainly sourced via Hybiscus) anchoring various plant species, the deck’s timer-controlled drip irrigation system was also restored to function optimally. A previously imagined builder-provided waterbody was waterproofed and converted into a green nook. The north-eastern corner was embellished with a pedestal fountain and urlis carrying water lettuce to create a zen corner. Sculptural additions from The Bali Project make a cameo in the form of paving stones and Barong lions.
The living space further leads one into the open-plan dining cum kitchen zone. The original blueprint encompassed a dual-island layout, creating a constricted sense of flow in the prep and dining space. The renewed configuration made room for a customised six-member dining table crafted by Cane Boutique, comprising a stunning quartzite top from Aro Granites, and turned wood detailing for the ornamental legs. The head chairs were given a plusher look and feel kudos to their silhouettes, while the others were kept sleek and light. The Nandi bull sculpture installation by White Domus Designs adds to the space’s composition and underscores the prevalence of artistic influences.
Shortlisted by the clients on a prior basis, the kitchen was designed and executed by Amber Homes ahead of the design studio coming on board. A 10-foot-long island defines the spine of the space, exuding shades of grey with its materiality. The induction cooktop is built into the structure of the island, while the Bora Teppanyaki grill with a built-in chimney merges the worlds of innovation and optimised functionality.
The Roy K John painting reminisces memories of Malabar through its zesty doses of vivacious hues! The West Elmglass globe pendants suspended over the elongated island add a quiet elegance to the area. A trio of custom-made bar stools in teak and brass complement the space, making it the ideal spot to sit and gaze into the adjoining deck while dining or entertaining.
The intent of the layout’s transformation in the kitchen cum dining space was focused on making the spaces open and engaging, especially when the family hosts. The walls have been freed of any mass-heavy cabinetry, bringing the focus to the centre of the space. The older builder-grade modular kitchen was tweaked to be retrofitted into the utility area, creating a confined wet kitchen which allows heavy-duty cooking to be carried out.
Swathed in umber tones, the guest bedroom on the ground level offers its inhabitants a cosy milieu. Minimalistic in its inception, the bedroom’s resting space is composed of a built-in veneer and fabric headboard bed. In addition, wicker wall lamps by Olie Lighting have been installed over the wood headboard, adding oodles of warmth to the room!
A certain rusticity is apparent within the space, coming forth as printed bed linen by Cotton and Satins, a desk previously owned by the clients, and the wicker and teak bench by Savana Living to hold luggage when guests visit. The wardrobes in most rooms across the residence have been mainly retained, albeit revived with fresh coats of paint to do away with the outdated wood tones. In this bedroom, a cobalt blue shade washes over the cabinetry, adding to the liveliness of the space. The guest bathroom was preserved with its original design elements, except for a new vanity unit and sanitary fittings.
The grandparent’s bedroom revels in boundless views of the outdoor deck and conjures a tropically inspired oasis for the elders of the home! Attributed to its accessibility on the ground level, this bedroom was designed for the grandparents, allowing the clients to pick the master suite on the upper level.
Steeped in understated luxury, features such as wall moulding, teak and cane furniture, and a study nook are the highlights of this graceful bedroom! Shades of blush pink, ivory, greens, and warm wood tones ubiquitously rule the visual palette. Pichwai artwork from Artisera also rings true to the tune of Indian-influenced design, taking one back into the pages of time. Inspired by the beauty of Indian mythology, the oleographs of the virtuoso Ravi Verma’spaintings enliven the study nook. The regality of this vignette is a consequence of the carved wood desk, curved-back leather chair by Chester’s and the fabric-faced television credenza.
The wooden floors in the guest and grandparent’s bedrooms were repolished painstakingly to attain the desired shade and finish, consciously honing the elements present at the site. It is a practice we take immense pride in; as a studio, our focus is always concentrated upon designing with cognizance, and these nuances go a long way. walk-in closet was minimally redesigned to anchor fluted glass and teak panelled doors instead of the stark white lacquered glass doors. The partition wall was re-veneered to match the finish, creating a harmonious visual.
Designing the ensuite bathroom was an exercise in achieving the most out of the layout, which was revisited a fair amount to accommodate the details the family desired! The water closet's location was swapped, shortening the wash basin vanity by a small margin, and allowing the incorporation of a sumptuous bathtub to be made possible. The shower was enclosed within a crittall chamber, underpinning the seamless volume of the bathroom.
The chic and neutral bathroom has been furnished with umpteen character with the book-matched beige veined marble over the walls and monochrome herringbone tiles across the flooring. Raising the bar of luxury, the bathtub has a filtration system that lends it a jacuzzi-like feel, while the shower cubicles can also double up as steam chambers with a simple touch of a button! A transformation we absolutely love.
A neoteric staircase connects the upper and lower levels, crafted with floating wooden steps anchored into a continuous glass balustrade. The wall abutting the space on the ground floor has been treated as a minimalist gallery for the family’s memories, creating a meaningful pause in the circulation space. An intricately carved Krishna sculpture sourced from Kochi watches over the area, emphasising the fervour for art and history the home boasts. An expansive artwork depicting a picturesque lotus pond by Artist Sunayana Malhotra makes its eclectic presence felt along the passageway as one approaches the upper level.
Fringing the staircase on the upper level, a wee informal library makes an impactful presence, creating a snug spot for this family of voracious readers! A triad of panels, the partition system has been detailed in woven wicker and teak, creating a membrane that gives the space privacy and yet is light. A dark herringbone flooring commences at this spot, travelling uninterruptedly into the family lounge. An open-face bookshelf in a cool grey tint claims this corner, packed with the family’s collection of loved reads and curios. Two emerald-hued suede armchairs with ottomans by Gulmohar Lane complete this space.
The family lounge is where the end-users congregate to enjoy cinema and conversations in each other’s company. A roomy sectional sofa by Cane Boutique in deep navy earmarks the room. With comfort ranking highest on the totem pole, the design vocabulary was a medley of linearity accented with organic forms and tons of textures! The coffee table is sheathed with plaid fabric over its top, also masquerading as an ottoman. Finer details, such as the arched floor lamp by Olie Lighting, gilded corner tables, and artisanal rug, make the space whole. The textured wood television credenza is framed against a poster wall, featuring glimpses of the client’s favourite movies, shows, and quotes acquired from Etsy!
This lounge further spills into the outdoors, built with a toughened corrugated glass floor, creating a metaphorically floating deck! Rope furniture and a swing offer the family an informal space to inhabit as they find themselves levitating over the urban skyline.
Nestled in a dedicated corner, off the communal zone, the prayer space has been pieced together with a cabinet designed akin to the architectural identity of Dravidian temples. Made wholly in carved wood, the unit houses marble shelves to place idols and drawers to neatly store items.
With hybrid working models gaining wind, the private study cum home office on this level was an integral part of the layout, primarily used by Hari. Homogeneously enveloped in umber goodness, the space is lined by fluted panelling, met by herringbone flooring in a similar array of shades. A custom open bookshelf unit expresses an industrial inclination, constructed in wood and metal profile members. Built over a marble pedestal leg, the bespoke desk sits under a modern pendant light by Hatsu. The room was designed to accommodate their old recliner sofa, which fits perfectly into the study.
Immersed in a tête-à-tête with soft hues, botanical inspiration, and a sense of whimsy, the daughter’s bedroom explores the seven-year-old’s sense of awe and wonder! With her age, we knew we wanted to strike a balance between pared-down and playful! So, we kept the room white and bright, with light wood tones intentionally worked into the mix.
The printed floral wallpaper creates a charming backdrop to the PU-coated headboard, highlighting the omnipresence of pinks and greens to create a fresh palette! The light wood open nightstands echo the colour of the densely woven rattan panels sandwiched within the wardrobe shutters; these tables have been paired with the glass pendants by The Purple Turtles. On the opposite end, a study space has been designed to accommodate and display her reads and curios, making it a stimulating corner for her to occupy.
Devoid of natural light, the daughter’s bathroom was given a facelift with materiality at its forefront. Statuario marble acquired from Marble Italia makes its way across the walls and culled storage niches, while white hexagonal tiles from Ceramique carpet the floors dynamically.
A retreat by its own merit, the master bedroom on the first level creates a grounding ambience for the clients to unwind within. With neutrals and accents of wood making the space their own, colour exuberantly comes through in the form of art and the subtly tinted area rug.
The oatmeal-hued bed by Ventura Gallery is layered with luxurious bedding by OMA. A sprightly coalition of ochre yellow, blues, and browns creates the artwork by Artist Praveen Kumar against the resting space. The study nook brings together a black PU-coated carved table and an upholstered desk chair by West Elm. The classic Eames lounge chair and ottoman replica by Urban Ladder rest adjacent to the floor-to-ceiling, relishing the bird’s-eye view of the lake. The Samsung Frame television has been hosted upon the credenza finished in veneer and sharp black and brass detailing. The wall behind has been given a mild update — the sleek beading profile has been paired with a finely patterned wallpaper by Kosh Furnishing Studio in a warm grey hue. The entrance to the walk-in closet was coated in an ivory white finish, further nuanced with French beading to refine the look.
Decadence and a penchant for stated opulence headline the master bathroom. The marble variety chosen is a veined dark grey which wraps the entire space. It was Lakshmi’s call to go all dark within the bathroom, and in hindsight, we are so glad we aligned on this decision! We have designed a storage-packed vanity with brass hardware by Studio Made, incorporated indirect and mood lighting, and allowed the materiality to speak volumes.
The monochrome patterned floor tiles are from the JJ Valaya capsule edition from FCML India, which introduces unabashed drama and sophistication! The original single door entrance into the bathroom was switched up with a louvred double door, complementing the walk-in closet entrance.
Wearing its blended modernism and antiquity with pride and conviction, The Windmills Home is a haven for the family, transporting them in a nostalgic trance to their roots. There is nothing we would change about this journey! This collaboration was helmed by the sincere trust of our clients, not only in our shared vision but also at every step of the process. This is just the first of our many big and gorgeous creative endeavours! We can’t wait to see what is in store for us!